Helicopter Crash K*lled 7 SEALs, and We Had to Keep Going

About this video

The guest recounts his experiences as a Navy SEAL in 1999-2001, including witnessing a CH-46 helicopter crash that killed seven Force Recon Marines during training, followed by his platoon’s deployment to Afghanistan as the first SEAL unit post-9/11. He describes participation in Operation Anaconda, including nearly being on the helicopter that was shot down at Takur Ghar, and the frustration of waiting hours while unable to help Rangers under fire. The guest explains how an alcohol-related incident where he punched an Air Force commander led to career consequences and ultimately influenced his decision to leave the teams.

Key takeaways

• The guest witnessed a training helicopter crash in 1999 that killed seven Force Recon Marines, after which he had to continue training and operations despite the trauma of the incident
• The guest’s platoon was the first SEAL unit to deploy to Afghanistan post-9/11, participating in Operation Anaconda and coming within minutes of being on the helicopter that crashed at Takur Ghar
• The guest recounts punching an Air Force lieutenant colonel during a deployment incident, which he describes as destroying his operational reputation and leading to reassignment and eventual departure from the teams
• The guest emphasizes that special operations work is inherently dangerous regardless of unit prestige, stating ‘it’s not a matter of if, it’s only a matter of when’ someone you know will be killed

Episode details: published March 14, 2026 · 24.2K views · 24:56 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Stories told by Mike Ritland’s podcast guests are the guests’ own accounts, attributed to them — not independently verified. Commentary is Ritland’s, presented as his analysis.

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